Frederick c



(No Model.)

Patented lune 6', I899.

F. C. SMALSTIG.

CA N 0 P E N E R (Application filed Jun. 98, 1899.)

' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK C. SMALSTIG, OF ALLEGHENY, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-IIALF TO GABRIEL MAYER, OF SAME PLACE.

CAN-OPENER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 626,507, dated June 6, 1899.

Application filed January 28, 1899. Serial No. 703,662. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, FREDERICK C. SMALSTIG, a citizen of the United States, residing at Allegheny, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful Improvements in Can-Openers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in can-openers; and theobject thereof is to provide an implement of simple construction which may be adjusted by one hand to cans of varied sizes.

The invention consists in the novel features of construction and in the combination of parts hereinafter fully described and claimed and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a plan view of the cutter in operative position on a can. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section. Fig. 3 is a cross-section. Fig. 4 is a detail view of the sliding blade.

Projecting from handle 2 is the elongated flat-head member 3, formed with longitudinal recess 4. The length of the head'and recess may be varied to meet the requirements of implements of various sizes. On head 2 is boss 5, in which is secured the steel hookpoint 6, which in operation punctures the cantop center and turns at that point, as is usual in this type of openers.

Slidable on the under side of head 2 is plate 7, formed with the upwardly-turned front and rear extremities 8 and 9, respectively, and these upturned ends are slittcd at the sides so as to move longitudinally in recess 4 and overlap the top surface of head 5, thus holding the plate loosely in position on the head. The rear end of the recess 4 is enlarged transversely at 10 to pass said upturned plate ends when assembling the parts, and the rear projection 9 is then given a backward inclination for the double purpose of locking the slide in the head and forming a convenient finger-hold.

Stamped from plate 7 is the depending V- shaped piece 11, sharpened on its edges to form a knife adapted for cutting in either direction.

In operation the opener is taken in either hand and after inserting point 6 in the cantop center in usual manner the sliding knifecarrier is adjusted by the forefinger either backward or forward, according to the size of opening to be cut. The handle and head are then pressed down, forcing knife 11 into the can-top. The frictional contact between head 2 and plate 7 is sufficient to hold the latter and the knife fixed, so that a true circle or part thereof is cut.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. An improved can-opener comprising a head formed with an elongated recess and at its end provided with a projecting barb, a plate at the under side of the head, the ends of the plate being upwardly turned to extend through the head-recess and notched to embrace opposite walls of the head-recess, thus interlocking the plate and head, and a knife depending from the plate, substantially as shown and described.

2. An improved can-opener comprising a head formed with an elongated recess transversely enlarged at one end, a barb projecting from one end of the head, aplate on the under side of the head having the upturned and notched extremities which extend through the head-recess and embrace the opposite walls thereof, and a knife depending from the plate, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FREDERICK C. SMALSTIG.

Vitnesses:

J. M. NESBIT, C. C. DEAN. 

